Through its cherished effort, Sharad Shamman, Asian Paints has been a vital part of Kolkata’s lively Durga Pujo celebrations for almost 40 years. Asian Paints embodies the spirit of a “Sholoana Bangali” brand by doing more than simply participating in the vibrant Bengali culture. Due to the company’s extensive knowledge of and affinity for Bengali culture, it has been possible for it to contribute significantly to the festivities of Durga Pujo’s artistic development and progress. Asian Paints once more makes a kind gift to the people of West Bengal as the holiday season draws near. This time, they add two significant artistic improvements that have been painstakingly created to express the essence of West Bengal.

For the first time ever, Asian Paints has introduced a unique holiday pack for their high-end interior paint, Royale Glitz, as a loving homage to the lively culture and people of West Bengal.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Kolkata tram, the business also masterminded a beautiful transformation of the historic tram from Tollygunge to Ballygunge into a living canvas.

Asian Paints has embellished two of the tram’s bogies. Asian Paints Sharad Shamman (APSS) in Kolkata’s incredible 38-year journey is shown in the exteriors of the first bogie. The murals honor Kumartuli, the historic potters’ neighborhood in North Kolkata where Durga idols are traditionally fashioned. Additionally, it includes the Dhunuchi dance and Sindoor khela. The first print advertisement and the first winning pandal are displayed in the outside artwork. The montage also highlights the distinctive tales told in People of Pujo, a documentary series that documents the pursuits and lives of folks who make Pujo the festival it is. On the tram, we observe a talented visually handicapped artist as well as female dhakis who are challenging the traditionally male-dominated performing arts.

Asian Paints has consistently found inspiration in West Bengal’s diverse culture and customs, which are captured in both of these one-of-a-kind works.

Mr. Amit Syngle, CEO and MD, of Asian Paints Limited, Abir Chatterjee, and Sohini Sarkar graced the event.

“When we were young, our parents looked forward to the winners of the Asian Paints Sharad Shamman. It was then it was decided which pandals among the winners would be visited by the family. Hence, they have been part of Durga Pujo celebrations for a very long time. I also had the honor of judging the Sharad Samman in 2015 and 2018. It was a moment of great pride for me to be associated with such a prestigious brand” said Abir Chatterjee.

Sohini Sarkar while speaking about her Pujo plans said “Now I have passed the age when I used to get more gifts. Now has come the time when I give more gifts than I get. That is the change that has happened to me over the years”.

Abir, Sohini, and Amit Syngle also boarded the re-decorated tram.

“I think youngsters must board the tram not only to make Instagram reels or take pictures but to experience the heritage of the city. The tram is like a part of the city’s heritage. A travel on the tram must be there on your things-to-do list. I have always traveled on the tram during my film shoots. I have yet to travel on the tram as Sohini” said the actress.

With such amazing initiatives, Asian Paints has surely set the ball rolling to welcome the Mother Goddess.

Video link of the event- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd6KMpHZilc

Priyanka Dutta